FOX SPORTS to show 2018 Hospital Challenge Cup Final Live on FOX SPORTS

The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) and FOX SPORTS today announced that FOX SPORTS will show the 'Triple M' Queensland Premier Rugby 2018 Hospital Challenge Cup live on FOX SPORTS MORE (507) on Sunday 19 August from 3pm.

For the first time, the 2018 Hospital Challenge Cup Final will enjoy national television coverage, meaning fans can watch Queensland's best club sides go head-to-head in the season decider live, in high definition and with no ad-breaks during play on FOX SPORTS.

The 2018 Hospital Challenge Cup Final will be at Ballymore between the University of Queensland and the winner of this weekend's preliminary final between GPS and Easts.

The QRU's Interim CEO David Hanham said: "This announcement further complements our existing partnership with FOX SPORTS. FOX SPORTS has been replaying our Hospital Challenge Cup 'Triple M' Match of the Round on Wednesday evenings for the last couple of months and their decision to take the final live shows how strongly the historical rivalry of traditional club Rugby resonates with a modern TV audience.

"The code in Queensland can only benefit from this further initiative between our two organisations, which will carry Queensland Premier Rugby's biggest game of the year into the lounge-rooms of Rugby fans across Australia."

Steve Crawley, FOX SPORTS' Head of Television said: "Club Rugby means a lot to Queensland, and we are excited to broadcast the final live. It's very much about back-to-basics as this is really attractive for FOX SPORTS."

Queensland-based FOX SPORTS Rugby Commentator and Triple M Brisbane Presenter Greg Martin will present coverage of the final alongside local commentators Martin Lippiatt and Jay Staunton, who have been presenting the Hospital Challenge Cup coverage throughout the 2018 season.

The QRU's production-company partner DoubleTake Sports - who have produced live-stream coverage of Queensland Premier Rugby since 2013 - will supply the broadcast to FOX SPORTS. DoubleTake Sports principal, Robert Matthews, is a former QRU Digital department staffer and the QRU is proud to have helped develop local talent within Queensland's Rugby community that will enable this live-broadcast on FOX SPORTS platforms.

Fans will be able to watch the replay of the preliminary final on FOX SPORTS on Wednesday evening (15 August). The channel and timings will be announced closer to the time.

History of the QRU's Hospital Challenge Cup

The original Hospital Football Challenge in 1899 was a fund-raising venture for the Brisbane Hospital. Its trophy, the magnificent Hospital Challenge Cup, remains the most desirable silverware in Queensland Club Rugby.

Since reconstitution as the Queensland Premier Rugby Competition after World War II, the Cup has been claimed a competition-leading 22-times by University of Queensland FC, followed closely by historic rivals Brothers Rugby Club, on 21.